Books on Kenya

This selection of Books on Kenya offers insight into the life's of local people and seekers, who come from all over the world with hopes and desires to find what they are looking for; from starting a new life, to an unexplained feeling of belonging.

It could be also a calling of doing something meaningful and support poor communities with whatever is most needed.

There is just something about this country, that is hard to put into words, but these author's are doing an incredible job of doing just that in those Books on Kenya.

Perhaps you are looking for more reasons why to go and visit this fantastic country with all it's good sides and it's challenging ones.

If you are not so much into reading, all of these are available on e-books and you can listen to them on your way to work and 'dream about Africa'.

Now is the time to get a hot cup of Kenyan coffee (or tea) and Jifurahisha (ENJOY in swahili) some of these wonderful books on Kenya!

I DREAMED OF AFRICA - Kuki Gallmann

Back Cover:
As a child Kuki Gallmann dreamed of Africa. Born near Venice, Italy, she grew up listening to her father’s stories of the Sahara. Her first glimpse of Africa surpasses even her dreams. With Paolo Gallmann, her soon-to-be husband, she explores the dusty savannahs and rich wildlife of the land where she felt she always belonged. But, increasingly, Africa reveals its violent nature, and when Paolo’s life end tragically, Kuki is left with her son Emaluele, an unborn child, and 90,000 acres of Africa. What follows are years of recovery and hope scarred only by the accidental death of Emanuele. Through her indomitable courage and unending love for Africa, Kuki Gallmann has not only forged a new life for herself but has also founded a living memorial to her husband and son. - Out of all her books on Kenya, this is my most favorite one!
Review:
“Written from the heart, without restraints…it will add a memorable and vivid and at times most moving volume to the literature of Kenya.” - Elspeth Huxley

AFRICAN NIGHTS - Kuki Gallmann

Synopsis:
Lyrical, beautifully written tales of life in Africa
Africa evokes a deep sense of mystery. It is a place that retains what most of the world has lost: space, roots, traditions, awesome beauty, true wilderness, rare animals, and extraordinary people. In this wonderful and haunting collection of stories, Kuki Gallmann writes of her life in Africa, where every day brings challenge and adventure. "African Nights" is a treasury of memories, in which fascinating people and places are brought to life. The healing powers Africa can have on those who embrace the land as a place of mystery, superstition, danger, and beauty.

JAMBO MAMA - Melinda Atwood

Amazon Reviewer: Denise Bonnell from Irvine, CA USA
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Melinda is a wonderful and entertaining writer whose description of her life in Kenya was written with complete honesty and candor. I am afraid vanity would not have allowed me to be quite so honest. Her detailed accounts of her trials and triumphs kept me turning the pages.... She wrote with compassion towards the people she knew and loved there, and best of all, she wrote with a sharp wit and an incredible sense of humor. I found myself laughing out loud often. It wasn't an easy thing she did, moving to Africa by herself for an extended period of time, for Africa and New York are as different as night and day. Melinda did, however, what so many others only think of doing...she followed her dream. For the reader who wants to learn more about modern Kenya, this book is for you. For the reader who wants a fun, interesting, informative, romantic, and heartfelt book to read, then don't miss this one. I highly recommend "Jambo Mama."

Facing Mount Kenya - Jomo Kenyatta

Back Cover:
Jomo Kenyatta, the grandson of a Kikuyu medicine man, was among the foremost leaders of African nationalism and one of the great men of modern world. In the 1930’s he studied at the London School of Economics and took his degree in anthropology under Bronislav Malinowski, one result of which is this now famous account of his own Kikuyu tribe.
Facing Mount Kenya is a central document of the highest in anthropological literature, an invaluable key to the structure of African society and the nature of the African mind. Facing Mount Kenya is not only a formal study...but a work of considerable literary merit. The very sight and sound of Kikuyu tribal, life presented here are at once comprehensive and intimate, and as precise as they are compassionate. - He wrote a few books on Kenya, but this is the most famous one.

Bill Bryson’s African Diary

Review:
“Bryson is one of the funniest travel writers in the business.” -- The Globe and Mail
Review:
“Bryson is first and foremost a storyteller -- and a supremely comic and original one at that.” -- Winnipeg Free Press
Synopsis:
Invited by CARE International, the author of "In a Sunburned Country" now visits Kenya and observes the many contrasts of Kenyan life, from the country's dramatic geography and famous game reserves to its postcolonial poverty and environmental problems. The author's earnings from this diary, as well as a portion of the profits, go to CARE. of color photos.